World Champions 1983, 1970, 1966

American League Champions 1983, 1979, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1966 American League East Division Champions 2014, 1997, 1983, 1979, 1974, 1973, 1971, 1970, 1969

American League Wild Card 2012, 1996

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Columns:

Orioles, Chris Davis reunion happens only if club accepts big-money trend The Sun 12/9

Fifty years ago today, Frank Robinson arrived in best trade in Orioles history The Sun

12/9

Orioles keeping Chris Davis dialogue going; also looking to trade for left-handed power

hitter The Sun 12/8

Orioles comparing lefties in system to possible Rule 5 picks The Sun 12/8

An appeal to Chris Davis to stay in Baltimore and help this city The Sun 12/8

More on Manny Machado's availability for Orioles FanFest The Sun 12/8

O's have trade proposals out on starting pitchers MLB.com 12/8

Orioles auctioning off unique experiences MLB.com 12/8

More on Orioles' offer to Chris Davis and leftovers for breakfast MASNsports.com 12/9

Dan Duquette discusses attempts to make deals and much more MASNsports.com 12/8

Brady Anderson talks about his contribution to MLB auction MASNsports.com 12/8

Duquette on today's meeting with Boras (and other notes) MASNsports.com 12/8

Orioles return Dave Anderson to organization (and other notes) MASNsports.com 12/8

Orioles meeting today with agent Scott Boras MASNsports.com 12/8

ESPN's Keith Law on Chris Davis and the Orioles MASNsports.com 12/9

O's Dan Duquette on Chris Davis MASNsports.com 12/8

O's Brian Graham with updates on Dylan Bundy, Hunter Harvey (with video)

MASNsports.com 12/8

A look at the possible Chris Davis market; Vandy coach remembers Flaherty and

Yastrzemski MASNsports.com 12/8

Duquette, Orioles are unwilling to simply wait around on Chris Davis ESPN.com 12/9

Pricey pitching market could help Orioles keep Chris Davis ESPN.com 12/8

Is there any chance for a Chen-Orioles reunion? CSN Mid-Atlantic 12/8

Orioles meet with Boras about Chris Davis CSN Mid-Atlantic 12/8

Would Orioles take an outfielder in Rule 5? CSN Mid-Atlantic 12/8

What's the price for left-handed hitters? CSN Mid-Atlantic 12/8

How long will Orioles wait on Davis? CSN Mid-Atlantic 12/8

Buck Showalter On The Orioles Off Season And The Outlook For Next Season CBS

Baltimore 12/9

Meet Orioles Players, Coaches & WJZ Personalities At FanFest CBS Baltimore 12/8

Winter Meetings: Orioles will meet with Chris Davis' agent Scott Boras CBSsports.com

12/8

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-chris-davis-money-winter-

meetings-20151208-story.html

Orioles, Chris Davis reunion happens only if club accepts

big-money trend

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

December 9, 2015

Despite agreeing to a four-year deal with reliever Darren O’Day this week, the Orioles still aren’t

among the big spenders in the free-agent market.

Arguments can – and have been -- made about why the Orioles should or shouldn’t spend.

One side can claim the Orioles bank tons of revenue through their club-owned television

network, MASN, that can easily be funneled into the payroll to bring big-ticket free agents to

Baltimore. Another side can claim that given Baltimore’s market size, the Orioles ownership

must keep the team payroll under control to keep ticket prices affordable for fans.

The Orioles aren’t locked into any bad, dollar-sucking long-term deals, which is a good thing.

And over the past four years, the team’s payroll has grown, incrementally, to well over $100

million.

After never previously going over that mark, the Orioles will cross it for the third consecutive

year in 2016.

At the same time, the game is dominated by big-money contracts. There are 17 players playing

for 12 teams who will make an annual average value salary of $24 million or more.

Take that one step further. There are 25 players who make an annual average of at least $22

million or more. Those players play on 14 different teams. That’s nearly half of the 30 major

league clubs, creating a growing disparity between the haves and have nots.

Those teams play in big markets – Boston, New York, Los Angeles – and smaller markets like

Minnesota, where the Twins pay Joe Mauer an average of $23 million a year, and Cincinnati,

where the Reds pay Joey Votto an average of $22.5 million a year.

The Miami Marlins, which has had an Opening Day payroll of more than $100 million just once

in over the past 16 years, pays Giancarlo Stanton an average of $25 million a year.

Adam Jones, the Orioles’ highest paid player, makes an average of $14.25 million a year. Jones

will make $16.3 million this year in the fourth year of an $85.5 million contract he signed in

2012, the largest deal in club history.

Among the 24 highest-paid players, a quarter of them play in the American League East. As you

would expect, all six of those players are employed by either the New York Yankees (Alex

Rodriguez, C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira) or Boston Red Sox (David Price, Hanley Ramirez).

Neither the Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays nor Tampa Bay Rays have a player who averages more

than Troy Tulowitzki’s $15.775 million a year.

The difference in spending is stark, but the Orioles don’t hide their hesitance to spend lucratively

in the free-agent market. If they re-sign free-agent slugger Chris Davis, it will trump Jones’

signing easily, even if Davis gives the Orioles a hometown discount.

Still, it will take some unprecedented spending to retain Davis, spending levels this club has

never come close to reaching.

And even though the market on Davis is unclear -- there’s been few teams connected to the

slugger -- that $22-24 million a year might not get it done.

How far the Orioles are willing to go to keep Davis remains to be seen. It’s still early in the

offseason, but will they join that growing list of teams investing major money into at least one

player?

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-schmuck-column-frank-robinson-1209-

20151208-column.html

Fifty years ago today, Frank Robinson arrived in best trade

in Orioles history

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun

December 9, 2015

It's so clear now. The deal that brought Hall of Famer Frank Robinson to Baltimore — exactly

50 years ago — is the best trade in Orioles history for so many reasons that there really is no

room for debate on the subject.

On Dec. 9, 1965, the Orioles sent starting pitcher Milt Pappas, reliever Jack Baldschun and

outfielder Dick Simpson to the Cincinnati Reds for a former National League Rookie of the

Year and MVP who would immediately lead the club to its first World Series title.

Robinson would help carry the Orioles to three more World Series appearances and go on to

make history as baseball's first African-American manager at the end of a playing career that

would place him high among the sport's truly elite players.

The trade is widely regarded as one of the most lopsided deals off all time, but it wasn't quite so

obvious a half-century ago.

"Actually, I kind of had mixed emotions about it because Milt was a good friend and a heck of a

pitcher," slugger Boog Powell said. "We had seen Frank from the other side. We knew he was an

MVP and had some really good years. We certainly respected him as a hitter. Also at the same

time, why mess with something that was working pretty good?"

Powell now laughs at his ambivalence. His emotions got unmixed in a hurry once he started

playing on the same field as Robinson in spring training.

The Orioles had won 94 games in 1965, but finished third in the American League behind

the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox. They had won at least that many games in three of

the five seasons leading up to 1966, but needed someone to help take the team up one more level.

The only reason Robinson was available was because the Reds felt they needed a quality starting

pitcher to get over the hump and owner Bill DeWitt was convinced that Robinson was past his

prime at the ripe old age of 30.

Everyone knows what happened after that. Robinson hit 49 homers in 1966 and became the only

player to be named MVP in both the NL and AL. He also would be named MVP of the World

Series after the Orioles shocked the baseball world by sweeping the pitching-rich Los Angeles

Dodgers.

What is too easy to forget is that Pappas was the winningest pitcher in modern Orioles history

when he was dispatched to Cincinnati. During eight years in the Orioles rotation, he never had a

losing season. He would go on to win another 99 games and would deliver back-to-back 17-win

seasons for the Chicago Cubs in 1971 and 1972.

Nobody in the Orioles clubhouse was happy to see him go, and — in a baseball world with

limited television exposure and no interleague play other than the exhibition season and the

World Series — few had a full comprehension Robinson's enormous talent.

"Obviously, you look at Frank, you know he had won an MVP. … You know he had hit [as

many as] 39 home runs and probably would have hit more if not for the high scoreboard at

Crosley Field," Hall of Famer Jim Palmer said. "But it's not like now when you can just go on

Baseball-Reference.com and see where he stacks up or his wins above replacement."

Palmer was just arriving on the scene himself, but he is also quick to remind everyone that the

Reds got a very valuable player in return. Pappas had averaged 15 victories and had a combined

2.87 ERA over the previous three seasons. If you want to put that in a contemporary perspective,

Jeff Samardzija has never had a winning season as a starting pitcher, has a 4.09 career ERA and

just signed a five-year contract worth $90 million.

Baldschun also was a solid pitcher who had been acquired by the Orioles from the Philadelphia

Phillies just a few days before the big trade. But he didn't pitch well in Cincinnati and by the

time Pappas was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1968, the deal had evolved into a best-ever for

the Orioles and a worst-ever for the Reds.

"It wasn't like we didn't give the Reds some guys who could play a little bit. But to get Frank

Robinson?" Palmer said. "But with all the dialogue, all the rhetoric about 'an old 30,' I don't think

any of us realized how good Frank was. That sounds like an insult, but you don't often get a guy

like that. How do you know, even in your wildest dreams?"

Robinson was surprised by the deal, but he told The Baltimore Sun at the time that he was

looking forward to coming to Baltimore. What he would reveal much later was that he was

happy to get away from the Reds organization at that time because he felt unappreciated by

ownership.

Of course, it didn't take long for him to be appreciated by his new team and its fans.

"I'll tell you the truth, when I first saw him in spring training, I knew I'd rather do it with him

than without him," Powell said. "Watching him pop the ball through the palm trees in spring

training and the other qualities that Frank had — the intangibles that he brought to the team and

the way he played the game. The ferocity with which he went about his trade was a pretty

awesome thing to see.

"He went at it with reckless abandon and what he did at the plate was incredible. And he was

surrounded with the perfect lineup. Me and Brooks [Robinson] behind him. Paul Blair in front.

What are you going to do?"

That fire would burn so brightly that Robinson would become an iconic Oriole though he played

in Baltimore for only six of his 21 major league seasons.

"Frank just made us tougher," Palmer said. "Everybody says that good players have edges.

Brooks' edge was he never let anything bother him. Boog was kind of in that category — two

really good-natured guys that were terrific players. Boog would win an MVP. Brooksie had won

an MVP and would make the Hall of Fame. But Frank just had a tough edge. When you see a

guy who could play at his level and could play with the vigor and intensity that he did, I can't see

how it could not have affected all of us."

Top trades in Orioles history

1. Dec. 9, 1965: The Orioles get outfielder Frank Robinson from the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher

Milt Pappas, pitcher Jack Baldschun and outfielder Dick Simpson.

2. June 15, 1976: The Orioles get catcher Rick Dempsey and pitchers Scott McGregor, Tippy

Martinez, Rudy May and Dave Pagan from the New York Yankees for catcher Elrod

Hendricks and pitchers Doyle Alexander, Ken Holtzman, Grant Jackson and Jimmy Freeman.

3. Dec. 4, 1968: The Orioles get pitcher Mike Cuellar and shortstop Enzo Hernandez from

the Houston Astros for outfielder Curt Blefary.

4. Feb. 8, 2008: The Orioles acquire outfielder Adam Jones and pitchers George Sherrill, Chris

Tillman, Kameron Mickolio and Tony Butler from the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Erik Bedard.

5. Dec. 4, 1974: The Orioles get outfielder Ken Singleton and pitcher Mike Torrez from the

Montreal Expos for pitcher Dave McNally and outfielder Rich Coggins.

6. July 30, 2011: The Orioles get first baseman Chris Davis and pitcher Tommy Hunter from

the Texas Rangers for pitcher Koji Uehara.

The Frank Robinson trade before and after

Frank Robinson

With Reds (1956-65): 1956 NL Rookie of the Year, 1961 NL MVP, six-time NL All-Star, 1961

NL pennant (lost to New York Yankees in World Series)

With Orioles (1966-71): 1966 AL MVP, 1966 Triple Crown winner, 1966 World Series MVP,

five-time AL All-Star, two World Series titles, four AL pennants

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-winter-meetings-1209-20151208-

story.html

Orioles keeping Chris Davis dialogue going; also looking to

trade for left-handed power hitter

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

December 8, 2015

Despite many stories of free agents finding new homes flowing through the lobby and the top-

floor team and agent suites of the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center throughout the

first two days of winter meetings, Chris Davis' name hasn't been spoken often.

There's been little word of movement on the Davis front this week in the Music City, setting up

the makings of what's appearing to become an intriguing poker play between the Orioles and

Davis' agent, Scott Boras.

The Orioles met with Boras on Tuesday afternoon, and there was little progress made in the

club's effort to retain the top power bat on the free-agent market, according to an industry source.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette indicated as much on Tuesday night.

"We always keep the dialogue ongoing, but there's nothing new, really," Duquette said.

Meanwhile, Duquette conceded that the team's search for a left-handed bat is taking them

elsewhere. They've been exploring the trade market, and they've been linked to veteran left-

handed hitters like the Milwaukee Brewers' Adam Lind and the Texas Rangers' Mitch Moreland,

both players who would seem to be good fits at Camden Yards.

Duquette said the Orioles met with two teams regarding trades on Tuesday, but wouldn't say

who.

Boras is typically content with waiting out the market until he finds a deal he likes, and he

usually scores a jackpot for his clients. The seven-year, $210-million contract Max

Scherzer received from the Nationals last Jan. 21 just the latest example of Boras' late-offseason

success stories.

But Duquette said Tuesday that the Orioles will reach a point when they can no longer wait on

Davis.

"I think for the clubs and the players you have to decide at some point where you're going to play

ball and who's going to be on your team and the winter meetings is one of the threshold times for

players to decide where they're going to play and for the clubs to set up their teams," Duquette

said. "We're getting closer to decision time."

The Orioles are interested in other Boras clients — they like non-tendered slugger Pedro

Alvarez and outfielder Denard Span, both left-handed hitters — but Duquette said most of his

discussion with Boras centered around Davis.

In Duquette's eyes, the Orioles have made their interest in keeping Davis clear. Meanwhile, no

other teams have been linked to Davis here in Nashville, and Duquette has said each of the past

two nights that he doesn't know what kind of interest is out there on Davis.

"I really don't know what the market is," Duquette said. "I know that we're trying to add left-

handed hitters to our ballclub and we've been aggressive in pursuing a couple options. So we're

going to have to make a choice pretty soon.

"We have a clear idea of what the market is on Chris in Baltimore," Duquette added. "That's

clear."

The Orioles want to keep Davis in orange and black. And any deal to keep him in Baltimore

would unquestionably be the largest in club history, surpassing Adam Jones' six-year, $85.5-

million extension signed in 2012.

The Orioles realize Davis will cost a lot, and ownership wants to keep him. But the organization

isn't comfortable going into the $150-$175 million range for Davis, and this early in the

offseason, with the free-agent dollars flowing, Boras would undoubtedly be looking upwards of

that. Boras hasn't made any public comments this week, but usually addresses the media

sometime during the meetings.

Right now, the Orioles appear willing to look somewhere else and prepare for life after Davis.

They've already traded for right-handed slugger Mark Trumbo, who could play first, and

Duquette is always quick to point out that first base prospects Christian Walker and Trey

Mancini are waiting in the wings in the minors.

Perhaps the most telling words from Duquette came on one of his shortest of many thought-out

answers about the day's activities, when he was asked whether adding a left-handed bat would

still allow room for Davis.

"Maybe," Duquette said. "Maybe not."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-orioles-comparing-lefties-in-system-to-possible-

rule-5-picks-20151208-story.html

Orioles comparing lefties in system to possible Rule 5 picks

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

December 8, 2015

Asked at baseball's winter meetings whether the Orioles are interested in adding a left-handed

reliever, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said: “We have some other priorities

ahead of that.”

Left-hander Brian Matusz has served in relief for the past three-plus seasons and is in his final

season before free agency. T.J. McFarland is another left-handed reliever, but the Orioles have

used him mostly in a long-relief role.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said the club was comparing some of the organization's current

arms Tuesday to what could be available in Thursday's Rule 5 draft.

“I was looking at [C.J.] Riefenhauser and [Ashur] Tolliver and Chris Lee and, of course, Matusz

and Donnie Hart and McFarland … [and] Tanner Scott,” Showalter said. “We had a lot of fun

watching him today. We're looking at Rule 5 guys and comparing them to some of the guys

we've got. That's exciting to watch, to see them pitching. We like our options from within if

something doesn't” happen.

Jones' charity continues

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones made a $75,000 donation, along with the Orioles Charitable

Foundation, to the Webster Kendrick Boys & Girls Club in West Baltimore. The donation will

help renovate and expand a technology center and lab at the facility.

This is the third Baltimore Boys & Girls Club that Jones has helped renovate. Over the past three

years, he also has made sizable gifts to the Brooklyn O'Malley Boys & Girls Club and the

Westport/Winans Homes Boys & Girls Club.

Last month, Jones received the players union's Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award for his on-

and off-field contributions. He also received the Brooks Robinson Community Service Award

from the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association this offseason.

Around the horn

Duquette said the Orioles have made their interest in retaining left-hander Wei-Yin Chen known

— he is represented by agent Scott Boras, whom the club met with Tuesday — but Duquette

said, “I'm not sure the market will allow that.” Chen figures to get a deal in the four-year range,

something the Orioles don't typically offer, but there hasn't been much buzz about him this week

at winter meetings. “Chen had some good years with the team,” Duquette said. “We made our

interest clear in having Chen come back.” … Despite the fact that the Orioles must keep top

pitching prospect Dylan Bundy on the major league roster — he enters the season out of options

— Duquette said the club still could select a pitcher in Thursday's Rule 5 draft. “We'll have to

see how that develops,” Duquette said. Because he has played in only 17 games since

undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2013, Bundy likely will slot as a reliever next season, at

least initially. … The Orioles extended their agreement with Low-A Delmarva for two additional

years, through the 2018 season, making their affiliation with the Shorebirds the second longest in

the South Atlantic League.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/dan-rodricks/bs-md-rodricks-1209-20151208-

column.html

An appeal to Chris Davis to stay in Baltimore and help this

city

By Dan Rodricks / The Baltimore Sun

December 8, 2015

Dear Chris Davis,

Three things right off the bat: I'm a big fan, I hope you make lots of money and it's really none of

my business what you do with your life. Your decision about whether to leave Baltimore and

the Orioles for another city and another team — that's all yours, brother.

All I can do is tell you how I feel about it. And how I feel is probably how a lot of long-time

Orioles fans feel: We want you to spend the rest of your career here.

You and Adam.

OK, you and Adam and Manny.

But I'm addressing only you right now because you're a free agent and we keep hearing that one

of our favorite players might leave Baltimore. You have a rich and famous agent, the best in the

business, and you're in the running for an eye-popping contract worth anywhere from $100

million to $200 million. Peter Schmuck, my colleague from The Baltimore Sun sports

department, said that if I was going to write a letter like this, I should do it today because any

minute the Los Angeles Dodgers or some other big-market team might offer you $210 million.

That's enough money to keep you in Smokehouse Almonds the rest of your life.

And let me just say: Most Orioles' fans believe you've earned a big payday. You've given this

town a lot of pleasure already.

(As much as I've enjoyed watching you hit home runs, my favorite Chris Davis moment remains

the time in Boston when you didn't hit anything. It was May 2012, a surreal Sunday game with

the Red Soxthat lasted 17 innings. You went 0-for-8 at the plate, but you pitched two scoreless

innings and came out the winning pitcher. Epic stuff.)

Some people think the multi-year, multimillion-dollar salaries paid to professional athletes are

outrageous. But whenever I hear that outrage — these days, it's usually a Bernie Sanders

supporter who expresses it — I always say: "If the players don't get it, the owners do," and that

usually ends the squawking.

So I'm not getting into a debate about how much Chris Davis is worth, and whether anyone

should make $20 million a year for playing baseball. We are way past that.

I'm writing today to say this:

It's been a rough year in Baltimore, brother, and the last thing this town needs is to lose its

biggest baseball slugger.

I'm asking you to think about your place in this community and what it would mean to your

fellow Baltimoreans, at the end of such a dreary year, to see you pack your bags and your "Hulk

juice" blender and drive away from the Queen City of the Patapsco Drainage Basin.

I realize this isn't entirely up to you.

The owner of the Orioles has to step up in an unprecedented way. No one would expect you to

take an unacceptable offer from an owner who has an aversion to big contracts with players. But

somewhere between — oh, I don't know — $150 million and $200 million, you ought to be able

to find financial security, right?

Still, $50 million is a lot of "somewhere between." If you were to take the biggest offer and leave

town, few in Baltimore would have a beef with you.

Before that happens, I just want you to think about how you fit into the larger picture here.

Baltimore has a lot of problems; we didn't really need a riot to make that clear. But the unrest in

the spring, following the death and burial of Freddie Gray, forced eyes wide open, and there are a

lot of people who've re-upped their commitment to fixing what's broken here.

A lot of those people are millennials, like you, who've moved here in the last few years; they

want to see Baltimore get to a better place. They're working in nonprofits or volunteering their

time with kids or adults in transition from homelessness, incarceration or drug addiction. And, if

they're not doing that, they're demanding more from City Hall. They're being engaged as

citizens.

You should think of yourself not only as a power-hitting first baseman, but as an important

citizen of Baltimore, someone whose example of modesty and hard work is needed here. You'd

be respected and beloved, and not just because you can hit home runs, but because you made a

commitment to a struggling city.

Think about what re-signing with the Orioles would say to all the doubters, the snarky and the

sneering who've declared the city hopeless. If you re-signed with the Orioles, you'd be renewing

your commitment — and not so much to the franchise, but to this city, this community. You'd

signal affinity with the rest of us who still believe in Baltimore. You'd build a legacy rare in

baseball. You might even get us back to a World Series after 33 very long years.

Please, think about it.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-more-on-manny-machados-availability-for-

fanfest-20151208-story.html

More on Manny Machado's availability for Orioles FanFest

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

December 8, 2015

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado could miss Saturday’s annual FanFest because he’s

committed to be with his best friend for the birth of his first child.

Machado and Oakland Athletics first baseman Yonder Alonso became fast friends since meeting

in 2009. Alonso’s fiancé, Amber Harmon, is due to deliver the couple’s first child, a baby boy,

later this week, according to a source.

There is still hope that Machado could attend FanFest, and the Orioles remain committed to

working to help him attend, even if it’s just for a few hours.

For Machado -- who was raised by his mother in a single-parent home in Miami -- Alonso and

his family have long been like a second family since the two met. Machado and Alonso is more

than extended family. He’s also his brother-in-law. Machado married Alonso’s sister, Yainee,

last offseason.

"I grew up without a father in my life," Machado told USA Today in 2013, "and I see how

Yonder and Yainee grew up with their family. I want that. I've always wanted that. … Family

means everything to me, and now I can say we are all family."

FanFest is the one offseason event that all players under team control are required to attend and

few exceptions are granted. Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez and recently acquired slugger Mark

Trumbo were given permission to miss the event because of previous commitments.

When Machado’s name didn’t appear on their autograph schedule released Friday, a club source

said that while they couldn’t confirm his attendance, the team was doing everything possible to

accommodate his schedule and still ensure his participation in the event.

Because he wasn’t confirmed, Machado’s name couldn’t be placed on the FanFest autograph

schedule, but he could be added if he is able to attend.

The 23-year-old budding superstar is coming off his second All-Star and Gold Glove season, and

is arguably the team’s biggest draw among its fan base, especially now that first baseman Chris

Davis is a free agent.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/159171590/orioles-may-be-close-to-trading-for-a-pitcher

O's have trade proposals out on starting pitchers

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Orioles appear closer to making some moves, as executive vice

president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said Tuesday that the club had put out a couple of

trade offers in regards to a starting pitcher.

"We'd be happy if we could add one [starter] and then some depth to the rotation," Duquette said,

citing the possibility of adding a pitcher looking for bounce-back year as a good example of that

depth.

The Orioles -- who would love to have Wei-Yin Chen back but aren't optimistic given what the

lefty figures to make on the market -- can still afford a second- or third-tier free-agent arm. They

are also relying on their current rotation to rebound from a collectively disappointing season.

"What if they pitch better, right? Some of those guys have pitched better in their careers,"

Duquette said of a group that includes Miguel Gonzalez, Chris Tillman, Kevin Gausman

and Ubaldo Jimenez. "There's a couple young guys there that could pitch better than they have,

getting their feet on the ground. We are going to try to keep our bullpen strong and strengthen

that."

The Orioles also met Tuesday with Chris Davis' agent Scott Boras, and remain interested in the

slugger. They don't know what the outside market is like for Davis, but Duquette said, "We have

a clear idea what the market is for Chris in Baltimore.

"I don't really know what the market is. I know that we are trying to add some left-handed hitters

to our ballclub, and we've been aggressive in pursuing a few options. We are going to have to

make a choice soon."

So do the O's feel as if they made progress when it comes to Davis?

"No, not really," Duquette said. "We always keep the dialogue ongoing, but there's nothing new,

really."

If the Orioles do add another left-handed hitter, Duquette said it could take Davis out of the mix,

depending on who that acquisition is. Asked if the Orioles have made it clear that they want

Davis, Duquette answered affirmatively.

There doesn't appear to be a set date for a Davis decision, but the O's have other options and

know they can't afford to wait.

"I think for the clubs and the players, you have to decide at some point where you're going to

play ball and who's going to be on your team," Duquette said. "And the Winter Meetings is one

of the threshold times for players to decide where they're going to play and for the clubs to set up

their teams. We're getting closer to decision time."

The same is true on the pitching front.

"The pitching market is moving quickly, and there's a lot of teams chasing a few pitchers,"

Duquette said.

Worth noting

• The Orioles continued to do homework on Thursday's Rule 5 Draft. Duquette wouldn't say

if Dylan Bundy being out of Minor League options would prevent them from taking a pitcher.

• The Orioles agreed to a two-year extension with their Class A affiliate, the Delmarva

Shorebirds. That contract runs through 2018.

• Asked if the club could feasibly add an outfielder and starting pitcher if it's able to bring back

Davis, Duquette said he hoped so.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/159133138/orioles-auctioning-off-unique-experiences

Orioles auctioning off unique experiences

By Brittany Ghiroli / The Baltimore Sun

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Want to work out with Brady Anderson? Or be the Orioles' public-

address announcer for a day in Spring Training? Maybe watching is more your style, taking in

things like manager Buck Showalter's pregame news conference, batting practice from the field

and watching part of the game with executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette

in his suite.

The Orioles are auctioning off all of those experiences in this year's Stand Up to Cancer online

charity auction, which involves all 30 Major League clubs and continues until Thursday at 9 p.m.

ET.

This auction initiative has raised nearly $500,000 since its inception four years ago, and a

significant portion of the proceeds from this year's event will go to Stand Up To Cancer, a

longtime partner of Major League Baseball, its founding donor in 2008. In addition, this year's

auction will benefit Do It For Durrett, in honor of the late Texas Rangers ESPN.com reporter

Richard Durrett, who passed away suddenly last year, and the YouCaring page established for

Miami Marlins Sun Sentinel beat writer Juan C. Rodriguez, who is currently battling a brain

tumor.

Each team has donated unique experiences and memorabilia, and the Orioles' items did not

disappoint. The Spring Training lunch and workout with Anderson, a former player and current

vice president of baseball operations, includes a nutrition talk and tickets to a game. Being the

PA announcer includes the special opportunity of making all the announcements before and after

the game at Ed Smith Stadium, with up to four tickets include for that day's game.

Finally, the Orioles' behind-the-scenes package takes fans everywhere in and around Camden

Yards, including the press box, MASN studios and the scoreboard production room. Tickets to

the game are also included.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/more-on-orioles-offer-to-chris-davis-and-

leftovers-for-breakfast.html

More on Orioles' offer to Chris Davis and leftovers for

breakfast

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

December 9, 2015

NASHVILLE - Breakfast for me at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has

consisted of egg sandwiches and lattes at Starbucks. I ordered egg whites and turkey bacon on

the second day to give the illusion of being healthy.

Manager Buck Showalter will speak to reporters this afternoon after the annual reception and

luncheon, when the beat crew dines with him at a circular table and audio, video, tweeting and

other forms of social media are strictly prohibited. It's an informal get-together. The quotes come

later in the workroom.

Showalter challenges us to submit our picks for the entrée every year. No one is allowed to

choose chicken. I'll say some form of pasta.

But enough about me ...

Agent Scott Boras is expected to hold court with the media, which has become a Winter

Meetings tradition. There's a stampede to whichever area he chooses to stop, and you better get

there quick or you have no shot at hearing him. It's a bizarre scene.

An industry source told me last night that the Orioles' meeting with Boras "produced nothing

positive" in relation to first baseman Chris Davis. In other words, the club's offer remains on the

table, but it's not going to stay there much longer.

As I tweeted last night, it's believed that the Orioles' offer for Davis is in the neighborhood of

$150 million and includes deferred money. At this point, they don't sense that another team has

stepped up with a better proposal.

It's understandable that Boras wants to wait for a club to do just that, perhaps reallocating funds

after failing to make another move. He's rarely in a rush and it's only Dec. 9. The man has a track

record for hitting late jackpots.

It's also understandable that the Orioles are prepared to give up by the time they board their flight

home and use that money in other areas. They understand that a second-tier starter won't come

cheaply. And what if they want to make a serious run at Alex Gordon or Justin Upton?

Upton is a right-handed hitter and the Orioles already have plenty of them. They're trying to

bring more balance to their lineup, but he's hit 82 home runs over the past three seasons and

would be an impact bat. They have definite interest in him.

Adam Jones' six-year, $85.5 million contract is the largest in franchise history. There never was

a doubt that keeping Davis would require them to leave it in the dust.

Now we're waiting to find out if it's left on the table. If it's removed. If this negotiation really

ends poorly.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette pretty much indicated yesterday that the Orioles won't re-

sign Wei-Yin Chen due to the market. He seems more inclined to trade for a starter.

One person reasoned that if the Orioles are considering a four-year deal for left-hander Scott

Kazmir, they may as well bring back Chen. However, Chen could get five years.

Keep checking the trade market.

The Orioles don't seem to have enough to offer for Jose Fernandez or Chris Sale, two names that

always come up on Twitter and the blog. They don't want to move Kevin Gausman and punch

another hole in the rotation, and they believe the former first-round pick is going to evolve into a

No. 1 starter.

Outfielder/first baseman Steve Pearce also isn't expected to be re-signed.

Duquette offered a "maybe" when I asked whether the Orioles, who appear to have moved on

from Pearce, could reconsider in January or later if he remains on the market.

"The guys that played for us are free agents now, so we're not supposed to technically address

that specifically under the rule," Duquette said. "We like the work that a lot of the players who

are free agents did when they were with the Orioles."

I'd like to see this rule because a lot of other teams are violating it.

Veteran left-hander Craig Breslow is here trying to hook on with a club. The Orioles were linked

to him last winter, but Duquette downplayed any interest yesterday.

Asked about the importance of finding another lefty reliever, Duquette replied, "We have some

other priorities ahead of that."

Matt Merullo, who managed the Gulf Coast team this year and short-season Single-A Aberdeen

in 2013-2014, is in Nashville in search of a job. The Orioles decided not to bring him back.

A scout from another organization who's watched Mark Trumbo in the majors and in the winter

leagues insists that the first baseman/outfielder is more athletic than advertised. The scout also

said that Trumbo, while not a threat to win a Gold Glove, is serviceable defensively and not as

bad as his reputation suggests.

The scout said Trumbo easily will hit 25-30 home runs for the Orioles.

Former Orioles alert: I've seen Jim Hoey, Jeff Reboulet, Brian Bass and Clay Rapada at the hotel

this week. None of them are making a comeback.

Jones and the Orioles charitable foundation are donating $75,000 to the Webster Kendrick Boys

& Girls Club in the Dolfield neighborhood of West Baltimore.

The donation will help to renovate and expand a technology center and the Callaway Community

School tech lab at the facility.

It will be the third Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore that the Orioles and Jones have

renovated, along with the Brooklyn O'Malley Boys & Girls Club and the Westport/Winans

Homes Boys & Girls Club.

"He made a donation to a Boys & Girls Club in San Diego and some people were wondering if

he was going to continue his efforts in the community, and he did in partnering with the

OriolesREACH foundation for the Boys & Girls Club," Duquette said. "So he continues to do his

good philanthropic work in the community and work with the team, which we appreciate."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/dan-duquette-discusses-attempts-to-make-

deals-and-much-more.html

Dan Duquette discusses attempts to make deals and much

more

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette focused mostly on the free agent

market today while searching for a left-handed bat and the trade market while searching for

starting pitchers.

With the cost of arms these days, the Orioles are hoping to fill a hole in the rotation and improve

their depth by dealing with other clubs. Of course, the challenge is finding a match.

"We made a little progress today on the market," Duquette said from his suite at the Gaylord

Opryland Resort & Convention Center. "We have been shopping to get some balance to our

lineup, so we got a little clarity on the market in regard to left-handed hitters. We also met with

two teams on trade discussions, and we're getting a little closer to decision time for adding left-

handed hitters to our ballclub.

"Did a little bit more work on the Rule 5 draft and we sent out a couple trade proposals, and

we're still looking for left-handed hitters, we're looking for outfielders and we're looking to add

to our pitching."

Duquette then confirmed that the trade discussions centered on pitching.

Asked how many starters he wants, Duquette replied, "We'd be happy if we could add one and

then some depth to the rotation.

"A couple years ago we were able to pick up Miguel Gonzalez on a minor league deal. He was a

rehab pitcher and then emerged in the big leagues. Something like that. Or a pitcher who's

looking for a bounceback year. Those are always good players to sign this time of the year."

The Orioles also are counting on their returning starters to produce better results. Otherwise, the

rest won't matter.

"Some of those guys have pitched better in their careers," Duquette said. "There are a couple

young guys there who could pitch better than they have, getting their feet on the ground. And

then we're going to try to keep our bullpen strong and strengthen that."

The door isn't closed on left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, but don't try to poke your fingers inside or

you're liable to lose them.

"Chen had some good years with the team and we made our interest clear in having Chen come

back," Duquette said, "but I'm not sure the market will allow that."

Duquette met this afternoon with agent Scott Boras, but there wasn't much to update regarding

negotiations with first baseman Chris Davis.

"No, not really," Duquette said. "We always keep the dialogue ongoing, but there's nothing new,

really."

As I've written, the clock is ticking on Davis. The Orioles can't wait around much longer.

"I think for the clubs and the players, you have to decide at some point where you're going to

play ball and who's going to be on your team," Duquette said. "The Winter Meetings is one of

the threshold times for players to decide where they're going to play and for the clubs to staff

their teams. We're getting closer to decision time.

"I don't really know what the market is. I know that we're trying to add some left-handed hitters

to our ballclub and we've been aggressive in pursuing a couple options, so we're going to have to

make a choice pretty soon."

Can the Orioles re-sign Davis and still have the funds to sign an outfielder and a pitcher?

"I hope so," Duquette replied.

Asked whether there still would be room on the payroll for Davis if the Orioles acquired the left-

handed hitters that they're checking out - specifically the outfielders - Duquette replied, "Maybe,

maybe not."

The Orioles focused primarily on Davis while sitting down with Boras and stressed again their

desire to keep him.

"We've made it clear," Duquette said.

Does he now have a clear idea of the market for Davis?

"We have a clear idea what the market is for Chris in Baltimore," Duquette replied. "That's

clear."

The Orioles discussed Pedro Alvarez and Denard Span, who also are Boras clients, though

Duquette wouldn't confirm names.

"We made it clear we're looking for left-handed hitters, so we're looking at all areas in the market

that we think can help our team," Duquette said. "Trade, free agents, international market, Rule

5. We're looking at all the markets."

While Duquette is geared toward getting a pitcher via trade, he didn't say the odds were more

favorable.

"The pitching market is moving quickly and there are a lot of teams chasing a few pitchers," he

said.

Duquette again left open the possibility of the Orioles taking a pitcher in the Rule 5 draft despite

perhaps having Dylan Bundy in their bullpen next season.

"We'll have to see how that develops," he said. "We're looking at some pitchers in the Rule 5

draft, so that's a good opportunity to add a player to your organization."

You can bank on the Orioles selecting someone in the Rule 5 draft, but Duquette would like to

make a much bigger splash on the day leading into it.

"Maybe tomorrow," he said. "Hopefully, we'll have something tomorrow."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/brady-anderson-talks-about-his-

contribution-to-mlb-auction.html

Brady Anderson talks about his contribution to MLB

auction

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE - Orioles vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson wears many hats

in the organization, and one of his most important roles involves setting up workout programs

and training players in the organization.

Now it's your turn.

The Orioles have donated three items to Major League Baseball's online auction to raise money

in the continuing fight against cancer. The auction is live on MLB.com until Thursday at 9 p.m.

The Orioles are offering one fan a chance to be the public address announcer for the day in a

spring training game at Ed Smith Stadium, a behind-the-scenes experience, and a spring training

workout and lunch with Anderson.

I spoke to Anderson this afternoon about his participation in the auction, as well as his workouts

in California with pitcher Miguel Gonzalez and the importance of re-signing reliever Darren

O'Day. He played a huge role in it.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/duquette-on-todays-meeting-with-boras-

and-other-notes.html

Duquette on today's meeting with Boras (and other notes)

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette met today with agent Scott Boras

and said the discussion centered mostly on first baseman Chris Davis. However, he reminded the

media that the Orioles are searching for left-handed bats, suggesting that they also talked about

Pedro Alvarez and perhaps Denard Span.

It doesn't appear that the Orioles made much progress regarding Davis. Duquette said the club

has maintained an ongoing dialogue, but nothing is new today.

Does Duquette have a clear idea about the market for Davis?

"We have a clear idea what the market is for Chris in Baltimore," he replied.

A few other notes from today's media session:

* Duquette met with two teams to discuss trades and said the Orioles are getting closer to making

a decision on adding left-handed hitters.

* Duquette said he'd be happy adding one starter and then improving the pitching depth with

another move - perhaps a minor league deal like the one signed by Miguel Gonzalez or a pitcher

in need of a bounceback year.

* The Orioles have made their interest known in left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, who's also

represented by Boras, but Duquette said he's not sure the market will allow it.

* Duquette offered a "maybe" when I asked whether the Orioles could come back to Steve

Pearce if he's still available later in the winter. So far, they haven't reached out to him.

* Duquette said the Orioles have other priorities ahead of adding another left-handed reliever.

I'll post quotes later tonight.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/orioles-return-dave-anderson-to-

organization-and-other-notes.html

Orioles return Dave Anderson to organization (and other

notes)

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE - The Orioles officially brought back Dave Anderson to the organization, hiring

him for his old job as minor league infield coordinator.

Anderson, the former Dodgers infielder, managed the Angels' Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake over

the summer. He expressed interest in returning to the Orioles after a one-year absence and they

were happy to oblige.

Kevin Bradshaw, hired by the Orioles as Anderson's replacement, will run extended spring

training and coach in Florida, his duties including bunting and baserunning instruction.

Before coming to the Orioles, Anderson coached third base with the Rangers from 2009-2012

and first base in 2013. He spent 10 seasons in the majors, including eight with the Dodgers.

Fun fact: Anderson was due to bat in Game 1 of the World Series when manager Tommy

Lasorda sent up injured Kirk Gibson, who hit one of the most famous home runs in baseball

history. Anderson took a few steps toward the plate before being called back to the dugout.

Gibson took a lot of painful steps around the bases.

Other notes:

* The Orioles and Royals were scheduled to talk yesterday to find whether they might match up

for a trade. That's all I know. Let your imaginations run wild.

I heard yesterday that the Royals were prepared to replace Alex Gordon in left field with

speedster Jarrod Dyson, which general manager Dayton Moore confirmed today to reporters.

The Orioles maintain interest in Gordon, a left-handed hitting corner outfielder who can get on

base.

* The Orioles have talked to the Brewers about acquiring Adam Lind and the Rangers about

acquiring Mitch Moreland, according to FOXSports.com.

Lind and Moreland make sense because they're left-handed hitters and provide more insurance in

case the Orioles can't re-sign Chris Davis. And both players have been on the Orioles' radar in

previous years.

Lind, 32, is a career .293/.354/.509 hitter against right-handers and a .213/.259/.327 hitter against

left-handers. He's produced a .295/.358/.461 slash line in 115 games against the Orioles and a

.288/.363/.395 line in 61 games at Camden Yards.

Moreland, 30, is a career .267/.328/.469 hitter against right-handers and a .233/.290/.359 hitter

against left-handers. He's batted .260/.322/.442 in 29 career games against the Orioles and

.286/.355/.571 with five home runs in 16 games at Camden Yards.

Lind and Moreland are eligible for free agency following the 2016 season. Lind will make $8

million and Moreland is arbitration-eligible.

* I reported this morning that the Orioles are meeting with agent Scott Boras. I received further

confirmation that Pedro Alvarez also is a hot topic of conversation. It's not only about Davis.

As manager Buck Showalter would say, the Orioles have lots of irons in the fire.

* The Orioles will have the 15th pick in Thursday's Rule 5 draft and they're going to take a

player.

Teams ahead of them can pass, of course, but they're in the 15th slot.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/orioles-meeting-today-with-agent-scott-

boras.html

Orioles meeting today with agent Scott Boras

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE - Providing further proof that they haven't surrendered hope of re-signing first

baseman Chris Davis, the Orioles are meeting today with agent Scott Boras at the Gaylord

Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

Multiple people have confirmed the meeting, and Davis won't be the lone topic of conversation.

Boras also represents Pedro Alvarez, who was non-tendered by the Pirates and intrigues the

Orioles as a potential left-handed bat at designated hitter. Outfielder Denard Span, who interests

the Orioles as a possible right fielder and leadoff hitter, switched from CAA Sports to the Boras

Corporation a few months ago.

The meeting raises the question of whether the Orioles could carry Davis, Alvarez and Mark

Trumbo on their 25-man roster.

Davis prefers first base despite having experience in the outfield. The Orioles acknowledge that

Trumbo is better at first base than the outfield, where his defense doesn't meet their lofty

standards. Alvarez is below-average, to put it mildly, at third and first base.

Asked about Trumbo this morning on MLB Network Radio, Showalter said, "I like how engaged

he is on defense. You may not be the best, but as long as you're engaged, that's great."

The Orioles have committed a projected $32.65 million on Trumbo, Matt Wieters and Darren

O'Day for the 2016 season. Trumbo's salary hasn't been determined, but he's expected to be at or

near $9.1 million as an arbitration-eligible player. Wieters took the $15.8 million qualifying offer

and O'Day's four-year contract holds an annual average value of $7.75 million.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette intends to add a starting pitcher, an outfielder - with

emphasis on a left-handed bat - and perhaps another reliever. However, ownership has given the

green light to re-signing Davis, and the Orioles believe they have a "competitive offer" on the

table.

As I've written, they just don't know which teams are providing the competition.

A person tied to the Blue Jays said rumors of the club's serious negotiations with Davis are false.

However, other clubs could jump into the bidding if deciding to reallocate their funds, and there's

always the possibility of a mystery team.

As always, stay tuned.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/12/espns-keith-law-on-chris-davis-and-the-

orioles.html

ESPN's Keith Law on Chris Davis and the Orioles

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com

December 9, 2015

NASHVILLE - Last night here at the Winter Meetings, I recorded a video interview with ESPN's

Keith Law where we primarily discussed Chris Davis' free agency. After we recorded this

interview, my colleague Roch Kubatko broke the news via Twitter that the Orioles have made a

huge offer to Davis.

Here is my take: That is a huge and legit offer to Davis. The Orioles did indeed "open the

checkbook" here. Now Davis and agent Scott Boras need to let them know whether they are

going to be in the ballpark for his services or not and soon. They can't wait forever. They have a

team to put together. The Orioles put the ball in Davis' court with that offer.

Here are some of Law's thoughts on Davis and the Orioles:

Should the O's put pressure on Davis and Boras to decide something soon?

"Putting pressure on the Boras camp isn't going to work. I don't think that has ever worked for

anybody. My guess is it's more a play to say, 'We have to get something else in place. We can't

wait until January. We're going to move on and we're going to go after Justin Upton. We're going

to go after Yoenis Cespedes. We want a bat somewhere, a power bat.'

"If it's not going to be Davis, and my gut feel all along is it's probably not going to be Davis, then

they need to move in another direction. This provides (Dan Duquette) almost some closure from

his end. If the player really wanted to be back in Baltimore, which I've never heard was the case,

then maybe he could jump and say to Boras, 'I want to get this done.' I don't think that is going to

happen. This kind of closes the loop all around and now they can move in another direction."

You don't think Davis wants to return to Baltimore?

"I've never really heard that. As opposed to (Darren) O'Day, who I understood was really happy

with the situation. Buck (Showalter) gave him a chance. He made him into an elite set-up

reliever. He saw the potential for him to get left-handed hitters out and gave him the opportunity.

I really believe that was a big factor in him not just returning, but signing quickly. Now they've

got the bullpen in pretty good shape heading into the rest of the winter."

Could the O's have an either/or situation with Davis? If they don't get him, they have those

dollars to spread over other players. Some feel this Plan B might even work better for the

team.

"Yes, it might be. Because I think Chris Davis - while extremely productive when he is on - is

hugely risky. You've seen the volatility in the performance. You know he is going to strike out

an enormous rate. That means there is a good chance there is a year where he hits .220. You are

going to pay him to be the 40-homer-a-year guy with a decent on-base percentage, but he may

not be that guy every year in the deal.

"It may make more sense to spread your risk among multiple assets. Or spend that money on a

guy with a little more predictability in his performance. Like an Upton or a Cespedes. An Upton

gives you the advantage of youth, too. Upton and Jason Heyward, who I've never heard linked to

the Orioles. They are younger players and you are rolling the dice on getting some upside, which

is not typically what you get out of free agency."

It seems Davis' market is not defined. Is that true, not a lot of clubs in on him right now, or

are we just not hearing which clubs are truly in on Davis?

"That's a good question. One thing that comes to mind, even as I was doing the free agent

rankings on ESPN.com, it's not a great first base market in terms of supply. But it's also not a

great first base market in terms of demand.

"How many big dollar teams are actually out there looking for first baseman? The Red Sox are

covered, so are the Yankees, the Dodgers, the Cubs. The teams that ordinarily might spend a lot

of money at that spot, probably don't need to spend a lot of money at that spot.

"That said, Boras has managed in the past, to kind of create an opportunity out of thin air for

clients often just by waiting. By saying, 'I know this isn't the perfect positional fit, but I've got

the only 40-homer bat on the market.' It would not surprise me at all if he took that strategy with

Davis."

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/12/os-dan-duquette-on-chris-davis.html

O's Dan Duquette on Chris Davis

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE - Is decision day for Chris Davis and the Orioles coming soon? The answer may

well be yes, at least from the club's side.

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette met with Scott Boras, Davis' agent, this afternoon

here at the Winter Meetings. There doesn't seem to be any indication that the sides are close to an

agreement. At the same time, if the O's can't or don't get Davis, they may need to move on and

address other needs.

During his one-on-one interview today with MASNsports.com, Duquette indicated the Orioles

need to find out soon whether they can get Davis or not.

"I think it's about time for the players that are free agents and the clubs that staff the teams to

make their decisions," Duquette said. "We're getting there in terms of staffing our club for the

2016 season. We've made it very clear we are trying to add some left-handed hitting to our

ballclub and we're going to have to decide who we are going to go with this week."

So are the Orioles possibly down to days here? Do they need to know that soon on Davis?

"The way the offseason works, there are opportunities," Duquette said. "But the window closes

on some of these opportunities. We're going to staff our club to have it as strong as we can going

into the season. We need to add some left-handed hitting to balance our lineup and that is what

we aim to do."

I asked Duquette if waiting on Davis could hurt the club as it tries to make other moves and

decisions.

"I think that we are prepared to staff our ballclub," he said. "At some point the players have to

decide where they are going to make their home or hang their hat for the future. And, we're

getting close to decision time."

We know the Orioles still have needs in the corner outfield spots and are still looking for outfield

help. Is that market possibly about to heat up?

"Clubs have been chasing pitchers," Duquette said. "There are a lot of clubs chasing pitching and

there are not as many that are chasing position players. And there are a few more position players

on the market. So we'll have to see how the market plays out for the position players."

The Orioles today announced that they've extended their working agreement with the Single-A

Delmarva Shorebirds of the South Atlantic League through the 2018 season. The Shorebirds

have been an Orioles affiliate for 19 years.

Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, home of the Shorebirds in Salisbury, Md., underwent renovations

prior to the 2015 season that included remodeled clubhouses, training facilities and batting cages.

In 2016, the ballpark will feature a new playing surface as well as improved stadium lighting.

The Shorebirds are also finalizing plans for several fan-centered enhancements scheduled to be

completed in advance of the 2017 season.

"We extended the agreement for two years," Duquette said. "The Delmarva community and the

management of the team have made significant investments in the clubhouse. They've got a new

playing field and new lights.

"We're pleased as punch to continue our player development efforts there with a first-class

facility at Perdue Stadium. It's great, right in the backyard of the Orioles. Our fans get to see our

players when they are younger. Our young players get to see the major league team and identify

with the culture of being an Oriole. And we're so happy to extend that player development

agreement in Delmarva."

Pat Filippone, the president of Seventh Inning Stretch, the Shorebirds ownership group, talked

about today's news.

"We are excited for the future," he said. "We finished over .500 this year and we are delighted to

be the baby O's. We wear the black and orange proudly. We say we develop players, but we also

develop fans that come up to Camden Yards. It is a family and that is how they treat it and we

appreciate it."

The new infield at Perdue was made up to be very similar to Camden Yards. Triple-A Norfolk

did the same when it put in a new field. Orioles director of minor league operations Kent Qualls

said the club wanted to thank O's head groundskeeper Nicole McFadyen and Bowie

groundskeeper Matt Parrott for their work with it.

"With Nicole and Matt, it was really a collaborative effort to make sure we get a nice playing

field there for next year and for the future," he said. "The infield dirt at Camden Yards, they put

the same mix in at Perdue Stadium."

The Shorebirds have the second-longest running affiliate relationship with a major league

organization in the South Atlantic League. The Orioles' working agreements run through 2018

with Norfolk, Double-A Bowie, Single-A Frederick and Delmarva. They run through 2016 with

short-season Single-A Aberdeen.

Check back later this evening to see the full video of our interview with Duquette.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/12/os-brian-graham-with-updates-on-dylan-

bundy-hunter-harvey-and-more.html

O's Brian Graham with updates on Dylan Bundy, Hunter

Harvey (with video)

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE - Orioles director of player development Brian Graham is part of the club's front

office contingent at the Winter Meetings. He provided some injury updates during a one-on-one

video interview this morning.

Right-hander Dylan Bundy has been limited to 63 innings since the 2013 season. He underwent

Tommy John surgery during the 2013 season and then dealt with a shoulder issue last season. He

went to the Arizona Fall League last month. But after pitching one inning each in two games, he

was scratched from his third scheduled outing due to forearm stiffness.

But today Graham provided a positive update on Bundy.

"No concern," he said. "He met with the doctors in Baltimore. He's doing great. He's healthy and

is going to have a normal offseason. He'll come into spring training and be ready to go. He's

actually throwing the ball well."

Bundy is out of options and will have to make the Orioles' opening day roster or be exposed to

waivers if they try to get him to the minor leagues. That is very, very unlikely. Graham said

shutting down Bundy in the AFL was precautionary.

"It was absolutely a precaution. He's in great shape and in great spirits and his arm feels great. It

was definitely a precaution," he said.

Right-hander Hunter Harvey has been ranked just behind Bundy as the Orioles No. 2 pitching

prospect. He has not pitched in a game since July 2014 due to elbow issues. Harvey got a

platelet-rich plasma injection in May, but was shut down again during instructional league when

the discomfort came back.

In early October, Dr. James Andrews said Harvey should rest for four to six weeks. That period

has come and gone and he has resumed throwing and is doing well right now, Graham said.

"He's doing great. He's healthy and throwing bullpens. He has completed a long-toss program.

He feels great and it is just a matter of time until he gets back out there and hopefully we see

both guys at the January mini-camp."

It is good news that Harvey is doing well today, but now we have to see if that holds true for next

spring and into next season, and if this kid can finally get back on a mound. But no one has a

crystal ball.

"Nobody knows (for sure), you're absolutely correct," Graham said. "It will be April until we

find out exactly where he is health-wise. Unfortunately, it's an elbow issue. With an elbow issue,

it shows up, it flares up and potentially and possibly it doesn't show up. We'll see what happens."

Meanwhile another top O's prospect is expected to be 100 percent for spring training. That is 18-

year-old third baseman Jomar Reyes, who hit .278 at Single-A Delmarva last year. He got hurt in

the next-to-last game of instructional league workouts in Florida. He had surgery to repair a

broken hamate bone in his left hand.

Graham said Reyes is doing well and is working out in the Dominican Republic. He should be

100 percent for spring training.

Before the 2014 season, the Orioles' minor league system was rated No. 10 by ESPN and No. 12

by Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus. But after the O's farm has dealt with the Bundy

and Harvey injuries, had key players like Eduardo Rodriguez, Josh Hader and Zach Davies

traded, and seen players move to the majors and lose their prospect status, they are expected to

be ranked pretty low when the newest organizational rankings come out.

"It always bothers you if somebody says something (that) is not complimentary," Graham said.

"But at the same time, we know internally what a great minor league system we have and what a

great development system we have. If we put players in the system, they are going to be the very

best players they can be.

"We've scouted and drafted some very good players. Certainly, if we don't have as much depth

according to the national publications, you know, that is an evaluation that they make. From our

standpoint, if we can get players to help our big league club win, then we have a very productive

minor league system and that is where we are right now."

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/12/a-look-at-the-possible-chris-davis-market-

vandy-coach-remembers-flaherty-and-yaz.html

A look at the possible Chris Davis market; Vandy coach

remembers Flaherty and Yastrzemski

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE - The Orioles continue to be in the hunt for free agent first baseman Chris Davis.

He led the majors with 47 homers last year and leads the majors with 159 since 2012. But what is

unclear is how many teams are in that hunt with them. There has been very little information

getting out on Davis and any negotiations that may have taken place thus far.

MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko reported via Twitter that the Orioles are scheduled to meet

with Scott Boras, Davis' agent today. Boras also reps Pedro Alvarez, who could be an O's target.

Last night on MLB Network, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com was asked about the market that

could be developing for Davis.

"This is one of the best sluggers in the game and we know that sluggers really play in free

agency. So he should do extremely well," Heyman said.

"Boston and Toronto, two teams in Baltimore's division, have been linked to Chris Davis. I think

Toronto does make some sense, even though they have great power already. We know that (Jose)

Bautista and (Edwin) Encarnacion have expiring contracts after the year. St. Louis is a team that

has been tied to Davis and they make sense, as well. They have an issue with their No. 3 and 4

hitters. Obviously, they have their own free agent in Jason Heyward, who they are talking to, as

well. Can't imagine they sign both of them. But one of them is possible. Those are the four teams

that have been linked most often with Davis - Baltimore, Boston, Toronto and St. Louis."

Earlier today, Vanderbilt baseball coach Tim Corbin was a guest on MLB Network's "Hot Stove"

show. The school is based in Nashville and it is one of college baseball's traditionally strong

programs.

It is also a program that has produced two players from the Orioles organization in Ryan

Flaherty and Mike Yastrezemski. I asked Corbin to talk about both and their time at Vandy.

Corbin on Flaherty: "I knew his dad Eddie, who coached at Southern Maine. I saw him play in a

legion tournament out in Oregon. We weren't sure about recruiting him. But I came back and

told our coaches, 'This kid is going to be a major leaguer someday.'

"He just had a great career with us and really developed both mentally and physically. He

became a guy that could play a lot of different positions and play them well. He's a very humble

kid and he's just thankful for the opportunity to play at that level.

Corbin on Yastrzemski: "Yaz is something. I don't think he is unlike his dad too much. His dad

was a heckuva player at Florida State. His grandad Carl was kind of a self-made player and that

is what Michael is. He is just a very serious, determined kid and I don't think it is going to

surprise anyone when he steps on a major league field. He is so consistent and does everything

well. He catches the ball, throws to the right base, throws accurately. He will give you surprising

power. He runs the baseball well. There is no facet of the game he doesn't do well. When he's

done playing, he is going to be a very good major league manager. He will be a heckuva asset to

a lot of people."

http://espn.go.com/blog/baltimore-orioles/post/_/id/315/duquette-and-orioles-unwilling-

participants-in-davis-waiting-game

Duquette, Orioles are unwilling to simply wait around on

Chris Davis

By Eddie Matz / ESPN.com

December 9, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- If Scott Boras wants to play the waiting game on Chris Davis, he might

have to find another partner besides the Baltimore Orioles.

GM Dan Duquette met with Boras in Nashville on Tuesday to discuss Davis, the free-agent

slugger who last season led the American League in home runs for the second time in three

years. Although Boras has a reputation for taking his time and letting the market for his clients

simmer, Duquette made it clear following the meeting that the Orioles aren’t interested in

waiting much longer on a decision regarding Davis.

“For the clubs and the players, you have to decide at some point where you’re going to play ball

and who’s going to be on your team. The winter meetings is one of thresholds,” Duquette said

Tuesday afternoon. “We’re getting closer to decision time. I know that we’re trying to add some

left-handed hitters to our ball club and we’ve been aggressive in pursuing a couple options. So

we’re going to have to make a choice pretty soon.”

The Orioles haven’t been shy about their interest in keeping Davis in Baltimore, with owner

Peter Angelos even getting personally involved in the negotiations with Boras. That said, the

team wants to avoid a situation in which they wait until well into winter, only to lose out on the

Davis sweepstakes and be left with no other options available to replace him.

When the Orioles traded for Mark Trumbo last week, the move was seen as insurance in case

Davis signs elsewhere. But since then, it has become increasingly apparent that, with or without

Davis, the Orioles might plan on featuring Trumbo somewhere other than first base. Though not

known for his glove work, the right-handed-hitting Trumbo -- who can also play left field and

right field -- could fill a power-hitting DH/corner outfield role, not unlike Nelson Cruz did in

2014. If that’s the case, then Duquette still needs to reel in a first baseman, preferably one who

hits from the left side of the plate. Whether that’s Davis or someone else remains to be seen.

In the meantime, Duquette is making contingency plans. Ever since last week, when the Pirates

declined to offer a deal to Pedro Alvarez, the Orioles have been mentioned as a potential landing

spot for him. Like Davis, Alvarez is a lefty slugger who plays first base. He’s also represented by

Boras, and although Duquette didn’t mention names, he did admit that during his Tuesday

meeting Davis wasn’t the only client he and Boras discussed. Also, earlier on Tuesday, reports

surfaced that the O’s were looking into the possibility of trading for Milwaukee’s Adam Lind or

Texas’ Mitch Moreland, both of whom are left-handed-hitting first basemen.

Although nothing has happened yet, judging by Duquette’s comments Tuesday, it may only be a

matter of time.

http://espn.go.com/blog/baltimore-orioles/post/_/id/307/pricey-pitching-market-could-help-

orioles-keep-chris-davis

Pricey pitching market could help Orioles keep Chris Davis

By Eddie Matz / ESPN.com

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE -- The starting-pitching market has skyrocketed this offseason. While that hurts

the Baltimore Orioles' chances of landing a much-needed starter via free agency, it might

actually help their odds of re-signing Chris Davis.

“The price of pitching is pretty steep,” said general manager Dan Duquette yesterday. In the past

couple of weeks, Duquette has watched as several free-agent starters have cashed in on the open

market. The Red Sox gave David Pricea seven-year, $217 million deal, the largest contract ever

awarded to a major-league hurler. Zack Greinke's new six-year, $206 million deal with the

Diamondbacks has the highest annual value of any contract in MLB history. Jordan

Zimmermann's five-year, $110 million pact with the Tigers made him the third hurler this

offseason to nab nine digits. It hasn’t taken long for the trickle-down effect to start trickling

down.

Jeff Samardzija, who’s never won more than 11 games in a season and whose 4.96 ERA last

season was third-worst among American League starters, hauled in $90 million over five years

from the Giants. John Lackey, Brett Anderson, andHisashi Iwakuma have all received multi-year

deals that will pay at least $15 million annually. Just how bloated is the market? If you add up

the contracts of the 10 free-agent starters who have already signed -- a group that includes

castoff Rich Hill, who was pitching with the Long Island Ducks barely more than five months

ago -- the average value is more than $22 million per year. It's enough to send a GM into a state

of shock.

As Duquette discussed the starting-pitching market with the Baltimore media yesterday

afternoon in a sixth-floor suite at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, he

was quiet and subdued. Of course, he’s always quiet and subdued. But the current price of

pitching wasn’t helping. After all, his Orioles -- who need to fill the void created by the loss of

free agent Wei-Yin Chen -- are a club whose richest pitching contract ever is the four-year, $50

million deal that Ubaldo Jimenez inked the winter before last. Suddenly, names that seemed

vaguely attainable not too long ago -- second-tier arms like Yovani Gallardo, Ian

Kennedy and Scott Kazmir -- now appear far less realistic. As a result, the Orioles are turning

their attention to the trade market.

“We’re involved in a couple [of] trade discussions, focusing on the pitching market,” said

Duquette.

Specifically, he mentioned targeting teams who have already reeled in a starter and, as a result,

might have a surplus of arms and be willing to make a deal. Duquette didn’t mention specific

teams, but of the clubs who have signed a free-agent hurler, the Dodgers and Red Sox appear to

stand out as having the rotations with the most depth.

It’s hard to imagine what the Orioles might be able to offer in return. Their farm system is

relatively barren and was ranked next-to-last by Baseball America prior to the 2015 season, and

last summer they appeared unwilling to part with the players that other teams were most

interested in (Kevin Gausman, Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop). That said, if Duquette is able

to swing a deal, it could free up some money that the team could then use in its effort to re-sign

Davis.

Granted, if the Orioles were to trade for a pitcher, they’d have to pay that pitcher. But given the

inflated market, obtaining a starter who’s already under contract as opposed to signing one in

free agency could save the O’s a significant chunk of change next season and beyond. Who

knows how much? Maybe it’s $5 million. Maybe it’s $10 million. Maybe it’s more. Regardless

of the number, this much is for sure: If the budget-conscious Orioles are going to win the Davis

sweepstakes, they’ll need every penny they can get.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/there-any-chance-chen-orioles-reunion

Is there any chance for a Chen-Orioles reunion?

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Orioles have signed two of their six free agents. They’re certainly

in on Chris Davis, but what about the other three?

Dan Duquette said the Orioles liked Wei-Yin Chen, but said there wasn’t much chance he’d

come back, too. There hasn’t been much discussion about him this week during the Winter

Meetings.

“Chen had some good years with the team. We made our interest clear in having Chen come

back. I’m not sure the market will allow that,” Duquette said.

Immediately after the season ended, it seemed as if Gerardo Parra was a good bet to return. He

isn’t now.

According to MLB Daily Dish, Parra, who’s looking for a four-year contract, perhaps two years

beyond the Orioles’ comfort zone, has three teams, the Cubs, Giants and Royals interested in

him. They may only go three years on him.

There’s been no talk at all about Steve Pearce, and last week the Orioles re-signed Nolan

Reimold instead. Both are right-handed hitters.

“The guys who played us, they’re free agents now, so we’re not supposed to technically address

that. It’s specifically under the rule. We liked the work a lot of the players did when they were

with the Orioles,” Duquette said.

NOTES: Duquette dismissed talk that the Orioles were eager to sign another left-handed reliever.

“We have some other priorities ahead of that,” Duquette said.

-The Orioles announced they have extended their affiliation with Delmarva for an additional two

years, through 2018.

-Adam Jones and the Orioles’ Charitable Foundation have made a $75,000 donation to the Boys

and Girls Club. It will be used to renovate and expand a technology center for the Callaway

Community School Tech Lab. It will be the third Boys and Girls Club that Jones and the Orioles

have renovated.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/orioles-meet-boras-about-chris-davis

Orioles meet with Boras about Chris Davis

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Orioles met with Scott Boras, the agent for free agent slugger Chris

Davis on Tuesday.

Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette refused to get into specifics

on the talks. When asked if there was anything new on negotiations, he said:

“No. Not really. We always keep the dialogue ongoing, but there’s nothing new, really,”

Duquette said.

The Orioles know they want Davis back.

“We have a clear idea of what the market is on Chris in Baltimore. That’s clear,” Duquette said.

There hasn’t been much chatter on Davis, but Boras, a shrewd negotiator, is known for often

waiting for some weeks before his clients make a decision.

“I think for the clubs and the players you have to decide at some point where you’re going to

play ball and who’s going to be on your team and the Winter Meetings is one of the threshold

times for players to decide where they’re going to play and for the clubs to set up their teams.

We’re getting closer to decision time,” Duquette said.

The Orioles are known to be looking for left-handed hitters, and even if Davis returns, they’ll

need additional ones.

Duquette said that he wasn’t sure if adding additional left-handed bats would leave sufficient

funds to sign Davis.

“Maybe. Maybe not,” he said. Duquette said that he hoped the team could still sign a pitcher and

outfielder if it was successful with its negotiations with Davis.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/would-orioles-take-outfielder-rule-5

Would Orioles take an outfielder in Rule 5?

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Orioles will take a player in Thursday’s Rule 5 draft. They always

do.

Last year, they took two, pitchers Jason Garcia and Logan Verrett. Garcia made the team, Verrett

didn’t.

It seems possible that this year with outfield the most crying Orioles needs, that the team will

pick one.

MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo has two outfielders on his list of the top 10 prospects available in the

Rule 5 draft.

Houston’s Teoscar Hernandez and Toronto’s Dwight Smith are his outfielders.

Will they be available when the Orioles have the 15th selection? Do they interest the Orioles?

Hernandez is 23, and in the prospect-rich Astros system, will have a hard time making the

majors. Last year, he hit just .217 for Double-A Corpus Christi, but had 17 home runs and stole

33 bases. He’s a right-handed hitter.

Smith could intrigue the Orioles more because he’s a left-handed hitter. The 23-year-old batted

.265 with seven home runs and 44 RBIs for Double-A New Hampshire. He walks often and had

a .335 on-base percentage.

NOTES: Dan Shaughnessy, longtime baseball writer for the Boston Globe, was named the

winner of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award by the Baseball Writers on Tuesday. He’ll enter the Hall

of Fame in July.

On Monday, the Hall of Fame’s Pre-Integration Era committee failed to elect a candidate.

Twelve votes were needed for election and only Doc Adams, a 19th century executive received

as many as 10.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/whats-price-left-handed-hitters

What's the price for left-handed hitters?

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Orioles are looking for left-handed hitters. That’s no secret.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com, the Orioles have inquired about Milwaukee’s

Adam Lind and Texas’ Mitch Moreland.

The Orioles have had interest in Lind before, and they should. He’s a 32-year-old left-handed

hitting first baseman. Lind has $8 million left on the final year of his contract.

He hit 20 home runs, drove in 87 and batted .277 for the Brewers in 2015, and he draws walks.

His on-base percentage is .360, and he plays first base.

But, Milwaukee has talked with perhaps a dozen clubs about Lind, and it doesn’t look as if the

Orioles have much to trade for him. The last traded with the Brewers in July when they traded

Zach Davies for Gerardo Parra.

Parra is a free agent seeking a longer contract than the Orioles are willing to give him, and

Davies has a decent shot to start next season with Milwaukee.

The Orioles don’t seem to have much they’re willing to trade. Teams keep asking about Kevin

Gausman, but the Orioles aren’t willing to move him just when it seems his career may take off.

Moreland, who is also a year away from free agency, at 30, is two years younger than Lind. He’s

hit 23 home runs in two of the last three years, and last year drove in 85 runs. He’s a high

strikeout, low walk guy (112 to 32 last year), and a match with the Orioles would seem

problematical.

Both Lind and Moreland can play first base if Chris Davis leaves, and the Orioles are scheduled

to meet with Davis’ agent Scott Boras, who also represents Pedro Alvarez, who Pittsburgh non-

tendered last week.

Texas is reportedly trying to peddle Prince Fielder, who is owed $90 million on the final five

years of his contract. Fielder, who had a nice bounceback season in 2015, was signed to a nine-

year, $210 million deal by Detroit before the 2012 season.

Boras is Fielder’s agent, too, and the Tigers were so eager to rid themselves from the contract

that they’re paying $6 million of the $24 million the slugger is set to make this season.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/how-long-will-orioles-wait-davis

How long will Orioles wait on Davis?

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—What will it take to bring Chris Davis back to the Orioles? How long will

it take?

Many of the most optimistic Orioles fans didn’t think that the club would retain two of their free

agents, and especially not Darren O’Day and Matt Wieters.

Why not try for a third?

It’s obvious that something has changed around the Orioles. They’re more aggressive, much

more aggressive than they were last year when even before the Winter Meetings in San Diego,

they lost Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis and Andrew Miller.

Two days into this year’s meetings, they still haven’t lost Davis, Wei-Yin Chen, Gerardo Parra

or Steve Pearce.

The chatter around Davis has been quiet except for a farcical rumor on Monday that the Toronto

Blue Jays had made a huge offer.

Davis, Yoenis Cespedes, Jason Heyward and Justin Upton are the biggest name hitters available,

and it’s been quiet around the others, too.

Boston’s Dave Dombromski, who reeled in David Price last week, says the team has probably

made its major moves. The Houston Astros, according to an industry source, aren’t going to take

on a contract like Davis’.

Who exactly are the Orioles competing with?

At last month’s general managers meetings, Davis’ agent, Scott Boras, made the case that Davis

is as good an outfielder as he is a first baseman, and that increases his value. Among

contemporary players, Davis’ numbers compare only with Alex Rodriguez when A-Rod was in

his prime, Boras said.

Who wouldn’t want a player like that?

Boras is often in no hurry to make a deal. He’s often willing to wait weeks.

How long are the Orioles willing to wait?

Mark Trumbo can always play first base—or the outfield. He could be the designated hitter.

If the Orioles sign an outfielder or two with speed and on-base capability, might there still be

money for Davis?

The guess here is that the Orioles will wait on Davis. I just don’t know how long.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/12/09/buck-showalter-on-the-orioles-off-season-and-the-

outlook-for-next-season/

Buck Showalter On The Orioles Off Season And The

Outlook For Next Season

CBS Baltimore

December 9, 2015

Buck Showalter is the Manager of the Baltimore Orioles.

Buck joined Ken and Steve to talk about this off-season and the outlook for next season.

Buck was asked about Darren O’Day returning to the team “we’ve had a heck of an off-season

so far bringing back Wieters and Darren…we have a few other irons in the fire.” Buck also

talked about the new addition of Mark Trumbo and how much he has always like Trumbo and

what his bat could be inside Camden Yards. As for where Trumbo fits on the team defensively

Buck said “I look at him more as a DH and first base, hopefully not much in the outfield.”

When asked about the Orioles payroll and not having a top payroll Buck said “we want our

ballpark to be an affordable thing, we want our ballpark to be a comfortable one to come to.”

Buck also talked about the pitching rotation and Dylan Bundy saying “he is going to get the ball

a lot this Spring.”

Buck also talked about Fan Fest this Saturday briefly at the end.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/12/08/meet-orioles-players-coaches-wjz-personalities-at-

fanfest/

Meet Orioles Players, Coaches & WJZ Personalities

At FanFest

CBS Baltimore

December 8, 2015

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Orioles fans can meet current and former Orioles players

and coaches this Saturday at FanFest!

The event at the Baltimore Convention Center is open to fans, families and children with

activities all day.

There will be clinics for children, clubhouse tours with holidays photos on the field with Santa

Bird, games, question & answer forums and memorabilia and merchandise for sale.

The event starts at 11 a.m. and goes until 6 p.m.

Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children 14 and under or seniors aged 60 and over.

As part of WJZ’s Continuing Community Commitment, WJZ is proud to support FanFest.

Meet WJZ personalities throughout the day at FanFest!

Linh Bui, Alex DeMetrick, Amy Yensi, and Sharon Gibala will be there from 11 a.m. to

noon. Vic Carter, Bob Turk, Mike Hellgren, Derek Valcourt and Kristy Breslin will be there

from noon to 1 p.m.Chelsea Ingram, Pat Warren and Meghan McCorkell from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Finally, Mark Viviano, Gigi Barnett and Tim Williams will be there from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21201

WHEN: Saturday, December 12, 2015

TIME: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/25405919/orioles-will-meet-with-chris-davis-

agent-scott-boras-tuesday

Winter Meetings: Orioles will meet with Chris Davis' agent

Scott Boras

By Jon Heyman / CBSsports.com

December 8, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Orioles will meet here Tuesday with Chris Davis' agent Scott Boras

as the team continues to try to keep their star free-agent slugger.

This has seemed like a difficult match from the start, considering Davis' huge power numbers

and Baltimore's history of low salaries, but Baltimore owner Peter Angelos has been involved

and is said to be keenly interested in keeping Davis.

The Orioles have never signed a player to a $100-million contract, and Davis is said to be

seeking close to $200 million, citing the previous deals of Joey Votto ($225M), Prince Fielder

($214M) and Mark Teixeira ($180M).

The Orioles are expected to step up for Davis, but it's hard to see them getting into the category

of those comps. The Blue Jays, Red Sox and Cardinals are among other teams linked to Davis.

While Davis is mostly a first baseman, he can play right field, left field and third base, adding to

his attractiveness.

If the Orioles can't keep Davis, they will look more closely at a strong outfield market that

includes Alex Gordon and Justin Upton, two players that interest them. They also seek to

upgrade their rotation after keeping Darren O'Day, whose $31-million, four-year deal to return is

pending a physical.